Where is the arresting hook located?

• A. Mounted on the nose cone.
• B. Inside the cockpit.
• C. Attached to the NLG strut.
• D. Located on the underside of the aft fuselage.

Answer: (D)

Carrier recovery relies on a tailhook that can reliably engage the arresting wires on the deck. Placing the arresting hook on the underside of the aft fuselage puts the hook in a strong, reinforced area of the airframe where loads from the arrestment are directed efficiently into the structure. This aft, bottom location also keeps the hook clear of critical forward systems—like the cockpit, radar or sensors in the nose, and forward landing gear—and avoids interference with their operation or with hot exhaust/airflow around the nose.

Mounting it at the nose cone or inside the cockpit would risk damage to sensitive equipment and obstruct crew access or visibility. Attaching the hook to the nose gear strut would interfere with gear retraction/extension and alter the aircraft’s load path during arrestment. Keeping the hook under the aft fuselage provides a direct, sturdy attachment point and a clear path for the hook to deploy and engage the arresting wire safely, which is why this location is used.